Montmartre paris guide. The guide & top things to do in Montmartre Paris

How to get to Montmartre Hill? What to see and what to do in Montmartre Paris? Learn about the hill filled with romantic atmosphere in France through our Montmartre Paris guide below!

In the heart of splendid Paris, if you want to find a peaceful and romantic corner with a strong French character, Montmartre Hill is the ideal stop. Located on a high hill in the north of the city, Montmartre attracts visitors with its ancient beauty, art and slow pace of life. Explore top things to do in Montmartre Paris and enjoy the poetic atmosphere and nostalgic beauty of this famous hill!

Where is Montmartre Hill? (#Montmartre paris guide)

• Address: Parvis du Sacré-Coeur, 75018 Paris

Montmartre Hill, located in the north of Paris, in the 18th district on the right bank of the Seine, is one of the places not to be missed when visiting this city. The ancient beauty and artistic atmosphere of Montmartre have made it an attractive destination for tourists for many years.

Standing out on the top of the hill is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica with its magnificent architecture and panoramic views of the city. In addition, Montmartre also preserves many historical buildings, small cafes, art galleries and nightlife areas. This place has been a source of inspiration for many famous painters such as Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet. Despite many ups and downs, Montmartre still retains the charm of old Paris, full of romance and enchantment.

When to Go to Montmartre Hill?

Montmartre Hill is an attractive destination all year round, but the most ideal time to explore here is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). At this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, very suitable for walking on the winding small streets, enjoying outdoor coffee and admiring the city view from above. In particular, the number of tourists is not as crowded as in the summer, bringing a more comfortable and relaxing space.

If you want to fully enjoy the beauty of Montmartre, you should visit on weekday mornings. This is the ideal time to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood. The afternoon is also a suitable choice, as long as you avoid the evening rush hour.

Getting to Montmartre in Paris

Eurail France Pass

To get to Montmartre in Paris, you have many convenient options such as walking, metro, bus or funicular. If you choose metro, you can stop at Abbesses station (Line 12) on the south side of Montmartre hill and go up the ground by elevator or walk up 200 steps. Anvers station (Line 2) is another option, taking you close to the cable car station for a quick trip up the hill. In addition, Pigalle Station (Lines 2 and 12) is located in the southeast, which is great for walking and admiring the cafes and shops along the road.

If you choose the funicular, you just need to go to Saint-Pierre Square near Anvers Station, the train ticket is included in the Paris Metro ticket system. If you go by bus, line 40 will take you through many points on the hill, while line 95 connects from Opéra Garnier to Montmartre and passes many famous landmarks. Finally, for those who love to explore, walking through the small streets and ancient stairs will bring a great experience to feel the beauty of Montmartre.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Montmartre Hill – France

Sacré-Cœur Basilica (#Montmartre paris guide)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located on the top of Montmartre Hill, is one of the destinations not to be missed when traveling to Paris. Construction began in 1875, right after the Paris Commune uprising (1871), and it took nearly 50 years to complete in 1923. With its unique architecture, the basilica stands out for its pure white color and 83 meters high. In particular, Sacré-Cœur has five domes, including a large dome, surrounded by four soaring light towers. The basilica’s bell tower also has the largest bell in France, weighing up to 19 tons.

In addition, the basilica is also notable for its largest mosaic in France and is where visitors can visit both the crypt and the dome. From this location, you will be able to admire the beautiful panoramic view of Paris. The large square in front of the basilica is also a tourist attraction thanks to its airy space and impressive landscape. Sacré-Cœur is completely free to enter, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit this place!

Place Du Tertre (#top things to do in Montmartre Paris)

Just a few steps from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Place du Tertre is the artistic heart of Montmartre. Since the 19th century, it has been a gathering place for artists, and this tradition continues today. Every day, around 300 artists work in the square, painting landscapes, portraits or directly creating souvenir paintings for visitors. A portrait here is a great gift from Paris.

In addition to art, visitors can also enjoy meals at the restaurants around the square, feeling the typical village atmosphere of Montmartre. Place du Tertre is not only a place where art and life intersect, but also an important part of Montmartre’s history. To better understand the creative inspiration of famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and many others, don’t miss this square when visiting Paris!

Salvador Dali Museum Paris

If you love surrealist art, a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum in Montmartre will definitely be an experience not to be missed. Opened in 1991, this museum displays more than 300 works of the Spanish artistic genius, from paintings, sculptures to engravings and creative objects. With a space located in a 19th-century mansion, the museum creates the perfect setting to honor Dalí’s unique style.

Famous works such as “The Persistence of Memory” and “The Space Elephant” are not only paintings, but also a door opening to the world of boundless imagination. In addition, the collection of sculptures and engravings also clearly reflects his surrealist artistic philosophy, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.

Musée De Montmartre

The Montmartre Museum is a great destination for those who love the history and art culture of the famous artists’ quarter. Housed in a 17th-century building that used to be the creative studios of famous artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Maurice Utrillo and Suzanne Valadon, this museum is home to outstanding works of art. From paintings, posters to drawings, each work tells the story of the vibrant creative life of this quarter.

Paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani and Steinlen highlight the lively atmosphere of the artists’ meetings, where art and life intersect. Surrounding the museum are three Renoir gardens, overlooking the Montmartre vineyards, creating an ideal relaxing space for visitors to admire the beauty of the area and enjoy the peace.

Le Moulin Rouge Theatre

Standing out with its nostalgic beauty, the famous Le Moulin Rouge is not only a cultural icon but also a place to preserve the glorious moments of Parisian art. With a long history, Le Moulin Rouge, or “The Red Windmill”, has become a must-see place when visiting Montmartre.

This place used to be a windmill before becoming a prominent destination for outdoor dances. Known as the gathering place of many famous artists such as Renoir and Picasso, Le Moulin Rouge also left a deep impression in classic works of art, such as Renoir’s painting “Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette”. Although it is no longer possible to visit the windmill directly, visitors can still enjoy special meals at the restaurant named Windmill, located right at the foot of the monument.

The Wall of Love Le Mur Des Je T’aime

Located in the Jehan Rictus square in Montmartre, the wall of love (Le Mur des Je T’aime) is an emotional work of art, spreading the message of eternal love through all languages. Created by artist Frédéric Baron, this work is 331 sentences of “I love you” in 250 different languages.

With the support of a calligrapher and muralist, the 40-square-meter wall was born as a symbol of love without borders and solidarity. The red color on the wall is not only beautiful but also has a deep meaning, reflecting the broken pieces of the heart, a symbol of broken love and the desire to heal. This is an ideal destination for couples to come to Paris, the city of love, to experience the beauty of shared feelings.

After 25 years since its launch, the wall was reopened on May 18, 2024, marking an important milestone. The celebration will last from February 2025 to February 2026, with many special activities for visitors who love the romantic space of Paris.

Suggested Tours to Combine When Visiting Montmartre Hill in Paris

World of Banksy Exhibition

At the “The World of Banksy” exhibition in Paris, visitors will be immersed in an impressive art space, displaying more than 100 unique works by the legendary street artist Banksy. The event takes place at Espace Lafayette-Drouot on an area of ​​1,200 m², where famous murals such as “Kissing Coppers” and “Turf War” are recreated.

Banksy’s legendary murals are vividly recreated with typical sounds, such as police sirens in New York or helicopters in Bethlehem, creating a completely different space. The works reflect a strong resistance to society, from paintings criticizing religion such as “Toxic Mary” to paintings highlighting social issues, all demonstrating the artist’s creativity and profound messages.

Grévin Wax Museum in Paris

Enter the fascinating world of Grévin wax museum in Paris and meet famous figures, from heads of state, sports stars to cultural icons from across the ages. Located on Boulevard Montmartre, the museum features over 200 lifelike wax figures, including famous names such as Napoleon, Brad Pitt and members of the French royal family.

More than just a place to store works of art, Grévin is also a wonderful art space with a Belle Époque design. Visitors will admire impressive galleries, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Hall of Columns, along with historical works, from major events such as the French Revolution to sporting legends such as Zidane.

Palais Garnier Opera House

One of the most splendid artistic symbols of Paris is the Palais Garnier Opera House, where you will admire the beauty of royal architecture and unique cultural space. This building was built in the Second Empire style, impressing with its sharp facade, sophisticated sculptures and meticulous decorative details. When you step inside, you will be captivated by the majestic grand staircase, impressive performance hall and colorful Chagall ceiling.

This is also the place where the top ballet performances of the Paris Opera Ballet take place, with talented dancers performing classics as well as contemporary creations. A visit to the Palais Garnier not only offers the opportunity to admire the magnificent architecture but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique performing arts space.

Luxury Hotels Near Montmartre Hill – Paris, France

Montmartre is an area in the center of Paris, so there are many hotels for you to choose from. To prepare well for your upcoming trip, please refer to the following famous hotels:

• Citadines Les Halles Paris (agoda, booking)
• citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées (agoda, booking)
• Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier (agoda, booking)
• Hôtel Francois 1er (agoda, booking)
• Snob Hotel (agoda, booking)

What to Note When Visiting Montmartre Hill?

Montmartre Hill, with its ancient beauty and artistic space, is always an indispensable destination when coming to Paris. However, to have a truly memorable tour and avoid unwanted things, you need to note the following points:

• Come early to avoid the crowds: Montmartre is a destination that attracts many tourists, so start your trip early to enjoy the peaceful space. Early mornings, when it’s not crowded, are the best times to explore the area.
• Choose comfortable footwear: Montmartre is quite steep and the streets are paved with cobblestones, so sneakers are ideal. If it’s hot, don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated.
• Beware of scammers: This area can be a hotbed of thieves and scammers, so always be on your guard and avoid getting too friendly or offering you freebies.
• Explore the quiet streets: While the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Maison Rose are popular attractions, the real beauty of Montmartre lies in the small, deserted streets where you can find many old houses and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.
• Find food in other areas: Restaurants in Montmartre tend to serve high-priced dishes with average quality. To enjoy authentic French cuisine, you should look for restaurants in other areas, where the food is delicious and the prices are more reasonable.

Montmartre has a typical French charm, both romantic and artistic. The fusion of classical beauty and modern creativity has turned this place into an unmissable destination, easily captivating anyone who sets foot here.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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